Literary Agent
John-Michael Jalonen @John_Mike_
@Megan_Manzano What elements are you looking for in those first 5 pages?I like to see a strong voice and the beginning details of the world/the main character's life so I can start building a connection to the story.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Chris Wolfgang @chriswolfgang
@Literary_Tara Advice for how to respond to trends in the market as a writer? The usual wisdom seems to be to not try to follow trends while writing, but it's still something that affects querying. Any thoughts on striking the necessary balance between trends and writing what you love?I'm a big advocate of write what you love. If the MS that you love isn't a "trend" write it anyways. Trends change, and writing isn't a race. Keep writing, keep querying, and keep doing what you love. That's how you will grow as a writer as well. I hope that helps. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Caitlin Cross @caitlincross
@Literary_Tara @_AndreaWalker_ In your opinion, what’s the ideal word count for a YA contemporary romance? Is 60k too short?Not too short, but borderline short. I think if the primary plot is the romance, then it's just right. I'd aim for 65k or 70k if you can. :) #AskAgent #querytip #amquerying
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Andrew Fox @Foxphorescence
@UweStenderPhD How does one get an agent?Write a great book and query.
Literary Agent
jamespmurphy writer @jimmurphynovel1
@UweStenderPhD Do you think it’s best to have work edited before submitting to an agent?You need to put your best foot forward, so you need to have an error free book.
Literary Agent
Ruth Owen @Brinestowen
@UweStenderPhD Do you always respond after requesting a full, even if you are ultimately rejecting it? Is that standard procedure for most agents?I always respond, but I have no idea what other agents do.
Literary Agent
Dominic J. Sciucchetti @thisdogwrites
@UweStenderPhD What is the largest book (in terms of word count) most agents will accept from a first time author? Specifically in Fantasy or Science Fiction.I can't speak for others, but I personally would start getting concerned at 110k at the latest in SFF. In contemporary, at 100k. But it depends on the project.
Literary Agent
MichaelJohnWriting @MichaelJWriting
@UweStenderPhD What would you say to a client who likes to write in two or three genres? Or for two or three age group?IF they are great at all genres, that's awesome. If not, then stick to your strengths.
Literary Agent
Dan Fitzgerald @DanFitzWrites
@UweStenderPhD Do some agents have multiple rejection form letters? One for not my thing, one for good query weak writing, etc? Sometimes I get a rejection that feels too specific for a form but not specific enough to be personal.I can't answer for other agents. I personally will read EVERY query that I receive, but if I am not interested after reading it, I will send a "form" email, because there is not enough time in the day, or my life, to be specific for every query.
Literary Agent
Ari Augustine @SouffleLumiere
@UweStenderPhD A question for you: One of your best/happiest moments of agenting this year?General question: knowing the market is important for both writers and agents alike. Beyond reading, what else can writers and/or aspiring agents do to stay informed about the publishing industry?
Seeing my agency colleagues succeed!
Talk to booksellers and ask what sells...and what they would love to see. Study #MSWL
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Kira Aitch @AitchKira
@UweStenderPhD How much say does an author get in book title, cover, and cover artist? Also, thank you so much for doing these!Thank you. The author gets consultation. In the end, the publisher decides, but they realistically don't want to frustrate the author.
Literary Agent
Marina @NinkaSLC
@UweStenderPhD Would you ever consider repping historical fiction? If yes, what period?I would. Probably anything post industrial revolution.
Literary Agent
Maria D. Holderman #NaNoWriMo @MariaHolderman
@UweStenderPhD Historical fiction or nonfiction? Which one is preferred by editors?Whichever is better written, more interesting, etc. etc. Essentially, whichever a publisher deems more likely to make them more money.
Literary Agent
Kaylynn Nelson @NelsonKaylynn
@beth_phelan I heard a popular agent being interviewed in a writing podcast say that YA epic fantasy is an over flooded market, but YA contemporary fantasy is more in demand. Do you think that’s true?I think a lot of things feel saturated and we’re always looking for something that feels fresh! It varies but i wouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself. It always depends on the book.
Literary Agent
Sammie Trinidad @TrinidadSammie
@beth_phelan What are the biggest “eye roll” cliche questions you get from aspiring authors?I don’t think there are many eye roll-y ones specific to aspiring authors, it’s more that some authors (aspiring or not) ask questions they can find answers to on google or ask problematic diversity questions haha
Literary Agent
Amy lying in wait @AC_Burrell
@beth_phelan Do you think that the #Ownvoices phenomenon is primarily interested in hearing about minority hardship/struggle/ pain? Do you think there is room for #Ownvoices "normality?" Or #Ownvoices stories that don't center the #Ownvoices?Yes and I’ve sold these and feel editors and readers are interested in an array of experiences
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Candice Jarrett @CandiceJarrett
@beth_phelan Yay! Thanks for this ♥️ What do you think is the ideal word count range for YA Paranormal Thriller? I'm currently at 55K but still #amediting. I imagine I'll end up a few thousand words more but under 60K.Also, what is your favorite book cover of all time? Or top 3?
#askbeth
Typically i think those are more like 80k but it depends what serves the story best